TABLE OF CONTENTS:
MASTER FACILITY PLAN: PHASE I (COMPLETE)
In November of 2015, Northwest Local School District voters approved a bond and operating levy which enabled the district to initiate Phase I of a three-phased facilities plan designed to address the aging facilities throughout the District and to provide ALL students with modern educational spaces that are conducive to learning and that provide a safe and secure environment.
The 2015 combination levy/bond resulted in the construction of three new schools and the closure/demolition of Welch, old Pleasant Run Elementary, old Struble Elementary, and old Taylor Elementary. Additionally, we closed Weigel Elementary School and demolished previously closed Bevis - All WITHOUT RAISING TAXES!
Ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the three new elementary schools (Taylor, Pleasant Run, and Struble) were held in August of 2018.
The schools all featured (2018):
- Secure vestibules
- Building security systems
- High-efficiency HVAC systems that improve air quality
- ELA (Extended Learning Areas)
- Brightly colored spaces maximizing natural lighting
- Maker Spaces
- Improved acoustics and furniture that benefit student comfort
- Improved kitchen facilities providing more lunch options for students
Photos of the 2018 Buildings:
The three newer elementary schools have Extended Learning Areas where they can gather simultaneously to learn and participate in interdisciplinary, STEM and small group activities
___________________________
PHASE II (CURRENT):
On January 9, 2023, members of the Northwest Board of Education passed a Resolution to Proceed with a bond issue for Phase II.
The bond Issue will appear on the May 2, 2023, ballot.
Bond issue - $168,600,000
Term: 38 years
Proposed Millage: 4.98
Estimated Cost to Homeowner: $174 annually for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s appraised value - or $14.53 per month; or .48 cents per day.
Community members are encouraged to visit the Hamilton County Auditor's Office Website. Click on "Property Search" to access your property information and select "Levy Information" to view the Estimated Annual Tax.
UNDERSTANDING THE STATE'S ASSESSMENTS OF NWLSD'S BUILDINGS
The chart below summarizes an overview of the State's Building Assessment:
* CES & CMS were slated for replacement in the 2014 Master Plan. Therefore, there are no maintenance funds assigned.
Colerain Elementary was built in 1923 (pictured above). The building is 100 years old and is still being utilized today. The facility is also not handicap accessible making it difficult for disabled students and community members to access our gymnasium, classrooms and media center.
In 2021, The State of Ohio sent out an assessment of the remaining buildings within the District. They assessed our buildings for two things: renovation v replacement needs and each building’s educational viability standard. This was their determination:
- RENOVATION V. REPLACE: (See chart above)
When the State assesses a school building's renovation cost to be 66% or more of the replacement cost, the State recommends replacing the building with a newly constructed one. If the cost to renovate is under 66%, the State will only pay for renovation costs. The school will have to pay for everything else.
Based on the findings, the State recommends replacing the following schools: Colerain Elementary, Colerain Middle, White Oak Middle School, Colerain High School, Houston Early Learning Center, Pleasant Run Middle, and Northwest High School.
- EDUCATIONAL VIABILITY STANDARD: (See chart above)
This standard is determined by the State of Ohio. This number determines the measure of the building's ability to offer a sufficient learning environment: Good “natural” conditions such as lighting, air quality, temperature control, acoustics, and links to nature.
Colerain Middle School is approaching 100 years old (pictured above).
UNDERSTANDING NWLSD’S NEED:
In 2019, NWLSD assessed how much it would cost to patch existing buildings in order to keep each building WARM, SAFE AND DRY based on their current condition.
WARM, SAFE & DRY: (See chart above)
- The overall assessment of the cost to fix identified issues in each building in order to keep outside elements like wind and rain out of each building. It includes repairs needed for windows, roofs, building envelopes, parking lots, HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems.
- These costs would be the start of an ongoing repair cycle, until additional funds are acquired for future renovation or replacement. See photos below of leaking ceilings and cracked walls.
NWLSD’S MASTER FACILITY PLAN IS DIVIDED INTO THREE PHASES:
PHASE I: COMPLETE
In November of 2015, Northwest Local School District voters approved a bond and operating levy which enabled the district to initiate Phase 1 of a three-phased facilities plan designed to address the aging facilities throughout the District and to provide ALL students with modern educational spaces that are conducive to learning and that provide a safe and secure environment.
The 2015 combination levy/bond resulted in the construction of three new schools and the closure/demolition of Welch, old Pleasant Run Elementary, old Struble Elementary, and old Taylor Elementary. Additionally, Weigel Elementary School and demolished previously closed Bevis - All Without Raising Taxes!
Ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the three new elementary schools (Taylor, Pleasant Run, and Struble) were held in August of 2018.
PHASE II: CURRENT
Summary of Phase II Priorities
Address buildings with the greatest need first
District-wide equity
Preference for 6-8 middle schools
Preference for “Clean Feeder” organization
Preference to minimize student/building transitions
Expanded academic offerings
Operational efficiency
Schools that foster relationships
PHASE III: NEXT PHASE (TBD)
Based on the feedback from the Master Facility Committee survey, the community was split between wanting to replace both high school and career tech centers and/or wanting to combine both high schools and career centers into one school. Based on the feedback, additional conversations to determine a consensus will need to be facilitated in the near future.
NWLSD CLASSROOMS AND LEARNING SPACES
Our aging facilities have learning spaces that were built for 19th Century instruction. The classrooms are small and limit the types of classroom activities students can engage in. These spaces do not permit flexible seating for group collaboration nor different types of hands-on-learning activities.
Smaller older classrooms limit learning opportunities
Space for collaboration in new classrooms helps to build deeper learning skills
Similar to how technology has changed the manufacturing assembly line, Phase II will provide students with access to classrooms that have adequate space to engage in collaborative learning, providing an opportunity to engage in collaborative activities that build deeper higher-level communication and critical thinking skills. Additionally, it will offer an opportunity to incorporate technology and the flexibility needed for 21st Century instruction.
WHAT PHASE II WILL PROVIDE:
Phase II Projects: What construction projects are covered by this bond issue?
Based on the district’s Master Facilities Plan, this bond would address costs associated with Phase II construction/renovations. Phase II has been scaled back. To contain project costs, the plan to replace Houston Early Learning Preschool with a new building is no longer part of this project. Despite this change, the millage amount remains the same in May 2023 as in November 2022 due to increasing interest rates.
Key projects in Phase II include:
Construction of a new Colerain Elementary (100 years old)
Construction of a new Colerain Middle (93 years old)
Construction of a new Pleasant Run Middle (54 years old)
Closure of White Oak Middle School and consolidation of District middle schools from three to two providing operational savings.
Renovation of Monfort Heights Elementary (24 years old)
Address a minimum of $40 million in deferred maintenance costs (estimate based on numbers from pre-pandemic - CES & CMS were slated for replacement in the 2014 Master Plan. Therefore, there are no maintenance funds assigned.)
Consolidation of Middle Schools
Phase II of the Master Facilities Plan calls for the consolidation of middle school buildings. By combining three middle schools into two, the district benefits from operational efficiencies; specifically there will be fewer buildings and properties to maintain and operate. Additionally, Phase II of the Master Facility Plan will also help us to address class size efficiency, increase in academic learning opportunities, and will help NWLSD to create a clean feeder school system, which will better align students as they transition throughout their educational journey.
- White Oak Middle School would be closed as part of Phase II and the site could potentially be the location for one of the new buildings included in Phase II.
Like the schools that opened in 2018, the Phase II schools will feature:
- Secure vestibules
- Building security systems
- High-efficiency HVAC systems that improve air quality
- ELA (extended Learning Areas)
- Brightly colored spaces maximizing natural lighting
- Maker Spaces
- Improved acoustics and furniture for student comfort
- Improved kitchen facilities providing more lunch options for students
Consolidation and new construction will result in a “Clean Feeder” school district, which will better align students as they transition throughout each level of school?
- All Colerain Elementary, Struble, and Monfort Heights students will feed to Colerain Middle and Colerain High School.
- All Pleasant Run Elementary and Taylor Elementary students will feed to Pleasant Run Middle and Northwest High School.
FINANCING THE 2014 MASTER FACILITY PLAN:
The Ohio Facilities Construction Commission is responsible for guiding capital projects for comprehensive K-12 public school construction and renovation projects through a program known as Expedited Local Partnership Program (ELPP). ELPP is a State program that allows schools to earn credits towards future state funded projects.
- In Phase I, NWLSD earned $16 million in ELPP credits that can be used in a future co-funded phase.
- In Phase II, NWLSD has the potential of earning an estimated $30 - $40 million in ELPP credits that can also be used in a future co-funded phase.
- In Phase III, NWLSD will have the opportunity to utilize both the credits earned from Phase I ($16 million) and Phase II, (est. $30-$40 million) to pay towards Phase 3 of the plan. By doing this, the District will minimize the local (community paid) share, by maximizing the available State dollars.
WHY THIS IS THE BEST PLAN FOR NWLSD:
The State of Ohio recommends that NWLSD replace seven buildings and renovate one based on each building’s current condition. The cost to make the recommended changes is $319 million. Like most public schools, NWLSD has a limit on the amount that can be borrowed. Currently NWLSD has a debt limit of $82 million, which would not be enough to achieve the State’s recommended replacements.
As a participant in the State’s ELPP Program, the State would allow NWLSD to sell bonds (borrow) in order to acquire the necessary amount needed to achieve the State’s recommendation. Additionally, by continuing to participate in the State program, NWLSD would earn an estimated total of $50-$60 million in ELPP credits that could be used towards a co-fund phase III.
If NWLSD were to make the decision to renovate all eight of the buildings, the total amount would be approximately $248 million, which would exceed NWLSD’s $82 million debt limit. Making the decision to renovate all eight buildings would also eliminate NWLSD’s opportunity to earn credits in the ELPP Program and other State Programs like Classroom Facilities Assistance Program (CFAP). Both State programs assist with funding for school facilities allowing schools to borrow based on financial need. Without participating in the ELPP and CFAP programs, the State will only allow NWLSD to borrow a max of $82 million, which would not address CE, CMS and the $40 million of deferred maintenance needed for other existing buildings, leaving NWLSD with 50-100+ year old buildings and no future means of replacement for the next 30 years when Phase 1 bonds roll off.
PHASE II - BOND INFORMATION:
At their meeting on January 9, 2023, members of the Northwest Board of Education passed a Resolution to Proceed with a bond issue for Phase II.
The bond Issue will appear on the May 2, 2023, ballot.
What is the cost breakdown for this bond issue?
Bond issue - $168,600,000
Term: 38 years
Proposed Millage: 4.98
Estimated Cost to Homeowner: $174 annually for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s appraised value - or $14.53 per month; or .48 cents per day.
Community members are encouraged to visit the Hamilton County Auditor's Office Website. Click on "Property Search" to access your property information and select "Levy Information" to view the Estimated Annual Tax.
What’s the status of the Monfort Heights Bond?
Approved by voters in 1997, the bond used for the construction of Monfort Heights was retired at the end of 2022 - an estimated tax reduction of $35* per $100,000 of the county auditor’s appraised value.
*Monfort Heights Bond was approved at 1.15 mills which does not include changes in valuation or homestead and rollback tax credits.
When will there be another operating levy?
Previous projections indicated the district would need to ask for an operating levy in fiscal year 2024. However, the Five Year Forecast shared with the Board in November 2022 indicated an improved financial forecast that included a positive cash balance through fiscal year 2027 thus projecting a need for increased revenue or decreased services in fiscal year 2028.
The change in the district’s financial picture didn’t come easily. The commitment on the part of district leaders, teachers, and staff to intentionally align resources to needs, along with our community’s support, made a big difference in our financial outlook.
Board Resolution to Contain Costs
In November 2021, the Board of Education renewed its 2019 Resolution of District Financial Parameters and Community Partnership. The resolution capped annual expenditures at 3 percent and committed to extending the life of the 2019 operating levy through fiscal year 2023. It also projected a 5 mill Emergency operating levy in Fiscal Year 2024.
The 3 percent cap on expenditures significantly contributed to extending the 2019 levy’s life just as the Board committed.
What is a bond issue?
A bond issue is used to provide local revenue for construction purposes. By law, bond dollars can be used only for capital costs -- building construction and/or renovations, and major equipment purchases. It cannot be used for salaries or any operational expenses.
What is the difference between a bond issue and an operating levy?
Bond issues raise money that, by law, can ONLY be used for capital improvements (bricks and mortar). Operating levies generate money for a district’s day-to-day operating costs, such as salaries, benefits, and utilities.
PHASE II - SCHOOL BY SCHOOL:
Colerain Elementary School, 100-years-old
Based on the OSFC report, renovation of CES is about 91 percent of the cost of new construction. If OSFC estimates that renovation of a building is more than 2/3 the cost of replacing the building with a newly constructed one, it is typically recommended that the building be replaced.
Given its age, the manner in which the building was constructed, CES is an obsolete building. It is no longer economically feasible to maintain CES. The school has outdated plumbing, ventilation, electrical, which are all costly to maintain and cannot accommodate today’s technology and educational needs let alone the needs of the future. It is not prudent to continue to put costly repairs into a building that is obsolete.
Constructed in 1923, it is both undersized and outdated. The electrical system for the facility is inadequate. The facility is equipped with a non-compliant security system. The building has a non-compliant manual fire alarm system. The facility has a fire suppression system. The facility is also not handicap accessible making it difficult for disabled students and community members to access our gymnasium, classrooms and media center. (2009 - Click here to read State Assessment)
Colerain Middle School, 93-years-old
Based on the OSFC report, renovation of CMS is about 82 percent of the cost of new construction. If OSFC estimates that renovation of a building is more than 2/3 the cost of replacing the building with a newly constructed one, it is typically recommended that the building be replaced.
Given its age, the manner in which the building was constructed, CMS is an obsolete building. It is no longer economically feasible to maintain CMS. The school has outdated plumbing, ventilation, electrical, which are all costly to maintain and cannot accommodate today’s technology and educational needs let alone the needs of the future. It is not prudent to continue to put costly repairs into a building that is obsolete.
Constructed in 1930, it is both undersized and outdated.
Pleasant Run Middle School, 54-years-old
Based on the OSFC report, renovation of PRMS is about 71 percent of the cost of new construction. If OSFC estimates that renovation of a building is more than 2/3 the cost of replacing the building with a newly constructed one, it is typically recommended that the building be replaced.
Given its age, the manner in which the building was constructed, PRMS is an obsolete building. It is no longer economically feasible to maintain PRMS. The school has outdated plumbing, ventilation, electrical, which are all costly to maintain and cannot accommodate today’s technology and educational needs let alone the needs of the future. It is not prudent to continue to put costly repairs into a building that is obsolete.
Constructed in 1969, it is both undersized and outdated.
White Oak Middle School, 62-years-old
Based on the OFCC report, renovation of WOMS is about 84 percent of the cost of new construction. If OFCC estimates that renovation of a building is more than 2/3 the cost of replacing the building with a newly constructed one, it is typically recommended that the building be replaced.
Given its age, the manner in which the building was constructed, WOMS is an obsolete building. It is no longer economically feasible to maintain WOMS. The school has outdated plumbing, ventilation, electrical, which are all costly to maintain and cannot accommodate today’s technology and educational needs let alone the needs of the future. It is not prudent to continue to put costly repairs into a building that is obsolete.
Constructed in 1961, it is both undersized and outdated.
Renovation of Monfort Heights Elementary, 24-years-old
Based on the OSFC report, renovation of MHE is about 52 percent of the cost of new construction. If OSFC estimates that renovation of a building is more than 2/3 the cost of replacing the building with a newly constructed one, it is typically recommended that the building be replaced.
Monfort Heights falls below the build new threshold but is past half-life based on the OSFC data. Renovations now will extend through the replacement of critical systems such as HVAC and provide a critical upgrade to the learning environment providing equity among all district elementary schools. '
Status of the previous properties owned by the district:
- Pleasant Run Elementary (PRE) - NWLSD still owns this property, which is located on Hamilton Ave. As we consider options for Phase 2 of the Master Facility Plan, the vacant lot could be a possible site for a new Pleasant Run Middle School.
- Welch Elementary School - This property was sold in 2019.
- Bevis Elementary - This property is in the process of being sold
- Ann Weigel Elementary - This property is located on Banning Rd. It is still owned by NWLSD. In 2022, a portion of the building was demolished. The remainder of the property is being utilized as the Central Supports Office and secondary alternative programs. Plans will be put in place for this building to be sold in the future.
- White Oak Middle School - White Oak (WOM) is currently being utilized as a functioning school location. However, in Phase 2 of the Master Facility Plan, NWLSD will combine three middle schools into two middle school locations in order to achieve operational efficiency. As a result WOM would be closed. Once vacant, the lot could become a potential site for Phase II construction. Considerations on whether this location would be a potential location for the new larger Colerain Middle will need to be made.
- Houston Early Learning Center (HELC) - HELC is currently being used as a functioning preschool location. It also currently houses Central Office Supports and academic programs. Phase II of the Master Facilities Plan included the construction of a new early childhood center. However, due to escalating interest rates and a desire to keep the bond issue millage rate below 5, the construction of a new preschool has been delayed.